Japanese FM Calls for Closer Tehran-Tokyo Economic Ties

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono underscored the importance of enhanced bilateral relations between Tehran and Tokyo in various fields, economy in particular, following the removal of anti-Tehran sanctions.

Japan’s policy towards the Islamic Republic continues to be based on the development of all-out ties with Tehran, Kono said in a meeting with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi in Tokyo on Thursday.

He added that the two countries need to further strengthen their bilateral ties in the field of economy following the implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and the ensuing removal of anti-Tehran sanctions.

The Japanese minister also voiced his country’s readiness to increase its consultations with Iran on regional issues.

Araqchi, for his part, said the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has opened up new opportunities for the two countries to enhance their economic ties.

He further expressed the hope that Japanese firms would make the most out of the Iranian trading opportunities in the post-sanctions era to boost economic relations between the two nations.

Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, US, Britain, France, and Germany) on July 14, 2015, reached a conclusion over the text of the JCPOA. The accord took effect in January 2016 and was supposed to terminate all nuclear-related sanctions against Iran all at once, but its implementation has been hampered mainly due to US policies.